Disaster Preparedness

Over the last decade, we have been made acutely aware of the possibility of major disasters caused by acts of terrorism. Terroristic threats and acts derive their power from confusion, uncertainty, and panic. Protect your family and your community through preparation. Know what to expect and how to respond in the event of an attack.

In times of emergency, local officials may instruct you to shelter-in-place. What does this mean?

This precaution is aimed to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home. If you are told to shelter-in-place, take your children and pets indoors immediately. While gathering your family, you can provide a minimal amount of protection to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. Then take the following precautions:

• Close all windows in your home
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
• Close the fireplace damper
• Go to an above ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and doors
• Take your family disaster supply kit with you
• Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors
• Put tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents
• Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains
• To avoid injury, stay away from the windows
• Stay in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate

Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection. Again, it is important to stay calm, listen carefully and follow all instructions. If you are told to evacuate, listen to your radio to make sure the evacuation order applies to you and to understand if you are to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials. Do not use your telephone. The telephone lines will be needed for emergency operations.

The Department of Homeland Security offers this list of contacts: Who should you call if you have concerns or suspicions about possible terrorist activity?

If any emergency or terrorist incident is already in progress, call 911 immediately.

Report any suspected criminal or terrorist activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

You can contact the local FBI office by phone at 402-493-8688.

Report suspected immigration or customs violations to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or call 1-866-347-2423.

Cyber Security is a growing area of concern in counterterrorism managed by the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team.

Report life-threatening and non-life-threatening emergencies in federal buildings to Federal Protective Service, or call 1-877-4FPS-411 (1-877-437-7411) to report suspicious activity in or near a federal building.